Two invitations. Which takes priority?

A friend has organised a birthday party for her dad. She has a small family and he has few friends so she has invited all of her friends. She really wants everybody to go and is the type to take it personally if you don't go. Her dad is lovely and does deserve a good night. However I've also received an invitation to a hen do on the same evening. I'd much rather go to the hen do as that's for my friend whereas the party is my friends dad. I've already accepted and confirmed the part invitation before the hen do invitation arrived. WIBU to now decline the party invitations? WWYD in this situation?

Going against the grain here but I would say you've double booked its your friends dad occasion , would be different if it was a friend, you've only been invited to put the numbers up for her dad not because your particularly close.

You shouldn't have to ask. Plus if you know your friend will not take kindly to you not going to the birthday party, imagine how she will feel if she finds out you've them declined because you've had a 'better offer's. Anyway, could you not meet up with the hens later the same night?

I think you ask your friend if she would mind of you went to the hen do instead and make it clear that you will still attend her father's party if she wants you to. It is rude to take a better offer but a friend's hen do should trump a party of a friend's dad imo.

I don't think it is rude to decline a previously accepted invite to take up another one. Obviously if it is two equal events then possibly a bit rude or to decline a previously accepted wedding for a house party definitely rude but I think it is fine to tell your friend that you are really sorry but you have been invited to a hen party and now can't make her dads party. Send him a nice card and gift and maybe some drinks to make up for not being there. People get clashing invites all the time and have to decide what to pass up on and what to accept. Some time declining a previously accepted invite has to be done. Life is too short to angst about such things.

I have to disagree in this particular situation. Sounds like you were guilted into going. This is your friends dad, the other is your friend. I would explain to your friend the situation. Or maybe if it's possible go to both?